About Us – Office of the Health Ombud

The Office of the Health Ombud is an independent body established in terms of the National Health Amendment Act of 2013 and is located within the Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC). The Office is assisted by persons designated and seconded by the OHSC with the concurrence of the Ombud and reports to and is accountable to the Minister of Health. Professor Malegapuru William Makgoba was appointed by Minister of Health as the first Health Ombud in South Africa since 1^st June 2016 for a non-renewable term of seven years.

Functions of the Health Ombud

The Health Ombud may, in terms of the Act, consider, investigate and dispose of the complaint in a fair, economical and expeditious manner. A complaint may involve the following:

an act or omission by a person in charge of or employed by a health establishment; or
any facility or place providing a health service.

In conducting his or her investigation, the Ombud may be assisted by any person in discharging the following duties:

Obtaining affidavits or a declaration from any person;
Direct any person to appear before him or her;
Direct any person to give evidence or produce any document in his or her control which has a bearing on the matter under consideration or being investigated; and
Interrogate such person.

The Act allows the Ombud to request an explanation from any person whom he or she reasonably suspects of having information which has a bearing on a matter under consideration or which is being or to be investigated; and the Ombud also require any person appearing as a witness to give evidence under oath or after having made an affirmation.

The National Health Amendment Act of 2013 specifies that:

The Health Ombud must operate fairly and deal with complaints swiftly.
The Health Ombud must report his findings and recommendations to the person who laid the complaint and the health establishment concerned.
The Health Ombud must make a recommendation for action at the end of every investigation and the CEO of the OHSC must ensure that this recommendation is carried out.

Mission, Vision & Values

“We perform our functions in good faith and without fear, favour, bias or prejudice”.

Why we exist

To protect and promote the health and safety of users of health services by considering, investigating and disposing of complaints in the national health system (private and public health establishments) relating to non-compliance with prescribed norms and standards and ‘contribute towards a development of public service culture characterized by fairness, dedication, commitment, openness, accountability and the promotion of the right to good public administration’

Independence, Impartiality and Accountability

The Act directs the Health Ombud to perform his functions “in good faith and without fear, favour, bias or prejudice”. The Act also provides the Health Ombud (and OHSC staff assisting the Ombud) with powers to facilitate thorough investigation.